BSN Tracker

Assessment Tool: DAST-10

The Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10) is a validated 10-item yes/no questionnaire screening for problematic drug use (excluding alcohol and tobacco) over the past 12 months. It is used as part of a comprehensive substance use assessment in health history interviews, emergency department encounters, and primary care settings. A positive screen warrants further clinical evaluation, not a standalone diagnosis. Note: item 3 is reverse-scored — answer "No" scores 1 point.

DAST-10 — Drug Abuse Screening Test

A 10-item yes/no screen for problematic drug use (excluding alcohol and tobacco) over the past 12 months. Each "Yes" answer scores 1 point (except item 3, where "No" scores 1). Scores ≥ 3 indicate moderate to high risk and warrant further assessment and intervention. Validated for clinical and research settings across adult populations.

Score interpretation

0

No problem indicated

1–2

Low risk — education

3–5

Moderate risk — assessment

6–10

High risk — referral indicated

Item 3 is reverse-scored: "No" = 1. All other items: "Yes" = 1, "No" = 0.

1. Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?
2. Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?
3. Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to? (reverse-scored)
4. Have you had 'blackouts' or 'flashbacks' as a result of drug use?
5. Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
6. Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs?
7. Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?
8. Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?
9. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?
10. Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g., memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding)?